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Braces FAQ’s

Everything you need to know to Braces like a pro.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Braces

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Braces RESULTS

Am I a Candidate

Straighten Your Smile the Smarter Way

Straightening your teeth not only improves the look of your smile, it also improves the function of your smile.

Quick results

You can see results in less than 12 months.

Doctor-directed care

Your treatment will be supervised in person by a real Celebrate Dental doctor.

Starting at $99/mo.

Financing options, insurance coverage and everyday low prices? Yes.

Why Our Patients Love Us

My family has been coming to Celebrate for 3 years now for general dentistry and orthodontics & they are great. Our appointments are always on time. They’re affordable & have payment plans. The staff is helpful & everyone is kind. Highly recommend.

Shannon Hardwell

We have kids in every stage of orthodontics with this office (finished braces, still in braces, in phase 1 treatment, soon to start treatment) and we are happy with the care every one of them has received.

Coming to Celebrate Dental and Braces every month or so for the last few years means we’ve gotten to know most of the staff pretty well, and every single person has been awesome. It’s actually nice to check in for appointments and say hi to our “friends.” It’s so nice to walk into each appointment feeling relaxed and walk out smiling.

Not only are all of the doctors terrific, but the entire team is great to work with. The front desk is always friendly and helpful, billing manages to take the headache out of dealing with insurance, and the assistants are kind and great at what they do. Every member of the support staff has been easy to work with.

Can’t say enough good things about this office!

Laurena Williams

Absolutely love my results! They were thorough and listened to every concern I had and made sure I was completely satisfied upon the completion of my treatment with my PERFECT SMILE 😊 THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOOOOOU

Ashleigh Funches

Great service, everyone explained the treatments well, great people. Very happy with my new smile 😁

Demian Nicolas

The whole braces experience went pretty well I had no issues at all , truly happy with the results.

TheKiddjaay

This office is great, all the staff is super friendly and helpful. We’ve had an awesome experience with them.

Lorena Arcieri

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Braces Frequently Asked Questions

How much do braces cost?

The cost of braces varies significantly depending on the type, complexity of treatment, and whether or not you have insurance. Here’s a breakdown of average costs for different types of braces as of 2024:

1. Traditional Metal Braces:

Cost without insurance: $3,500 to $7,500.
Cost with insurance: $1,750 to $4,000.

2. Ceramic Braces:

Cost without insurance: $3,500 to $8,000.
Cost with insurance: $2,000 to $4,500.

3. Lingual Braces (attached to the back of teeth):

Cost without insurance: $8,000 to $12,500.
Cost with insurance: $3,500 to $9,000.

4. Clear Plastic Aligners (like Invisalign):

Cost without insurance: $3,500 to $7,000.
Cost with insurance: $1,500 to $3,500.

5. Direct-to-Consumer Clear Aligners:

Cost: $1,700 to $5,500 (not typically covered by insurance).

Other factors that influence the cost of braces include the extent of straightening required, length of treatment, the patient’s age, and the location of the orthodontist’s practice. Dental insurance plans might cover a portion of these costs, and options like dental discount plans, monthly payment plans, and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can also help make braces more affordable.

How does Invsalign compare to braces?

Invisalign and traditional braces have advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice for you will depend on various factors, including the complexity of your dental needs, lifestyle, and preferences.

Cost: Invisalign and traditional braces have similar starting expenses, around $3,500 before insurance coverage. However, the final cost can vary depending on factors such as your specific dental needs, treatment length, and location.

Treatment and Care: Invisalign typically offers a quicker solution for those requiring minimal correction, and the treatment averages between 12 and 18 months. These clear aligners must be worn at least 20 to 22 hours daily and require regular cleaning. Traditional braces, while more challenging to maintain in terms of oral hygiene, might work better than Invisalign for closing gaps and aligning teeth, especially in more complex cases.

Effectiveness: Invisalign and braces are effective for straightening teeth and improving oral health. Invisalign is generally considered a viable alternative for mild to moderate malocclusions in non-growing patients. Traditional braces are more suitable for more complex orthodontic cases because they exert more direct pressure on teeth.

Comfort and Convenience: Invisalign aligners are removable, allowing for easier eating and cleaning, and they are made from a smooth plastic that is generally more comfortable than the metal brackets and wires of traditional braces. However, they require discipline to wear them for the required hours each day and must be removed when eating or drinking anything other than water.

Appearance and Aesthetics: Invisalign is nearly invisible, making it an attractive option for adults and teenagers who are self-conscious about wearing metal braces. Traditional braces are more visible, but there are less noticeable options like ceramic braces.

Ultimately, the best choice between Invisalign and traditional braces depends on your dental needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences. It’s important to consult with an orthodontist who can assess your situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment option.

How long will my braces treatment take?

The duration of braces treatment can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the complexity of the dental issues being corrected, the type of braces used, and the patient’s individual response to treatment. On average, braces are typically worn for about one to three years.

1. Mild Cases: Treatment may be shorter for less complex dental issues, potentially around one year. This is often the case for minor adjustments or corrections.

2. Moderate to Complex Cases: Treatment typically lasts between two and three years for more comprehensive alignment needs, including significant bite corrections or spacing issues.

3. Patient Factors: The patient’s age, the health of their teeth and gums, and how well they follow their orthodontist’s instructions (such as maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular check-ups) can influence the treatment duration.

4. Post-Treatment: Patients usually need to wear a retainer after the active phase of wearing braces. The retainer aims to prevent teeth from gradually shifting back to their original position. The duration of wearing a retainer can vary, with some needing it only at night and others for a longer period.

It’s important to consult with an orthodontist for a personalized estimate based on your specific circumstances. After assessing your dental structure and treatment needs, they can provide a more accurate timeline.

Does braces treatment hurt?

Braces can cause some discomfort, mainly due to the pressure they exert on teeth and potential irritation from the metal brackets and wires. While putting braces on isn’t painful, you may experience soreness afterward as your teeth adjust. This soreness usually eases significantly within a week but might take up to a month to feel completely normal. Tightening appointments can also cause similar, short-lived soreness. Overall, aligners like Invisalign generally cause less discomfort than traditional braces, mainly due to their smoother edges and the type of movement involved in the treatment. It’s important to note that any pain experienced with braces is manageable and considered a normal part of the orthodontic process.

How long will I wear my braces?

The duration of wearing braces varies depending on the complexity of your dental issues and your individual response to treatment. On average, braces are typically worn for one to three years. Treatment for less complex dental issues might be shorter, around one year, while more comprehensive alignment needs can extend to two or three years. After the active phase of wearing braces, you’ll usually need to wear a retainer to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original position. The length of time you’ll need to wear a retainer varies. An orthodontist can provide a more accurate timeline based on your specific circumstances.

How do braces compare vs. clear aligners?

Braces and clear aligners like Invisalign are used for teeth straightening but differ in several ways. Braces, typically metal, are more visible and fixed, making oral hygiene and eating certain foods more challenging. They’re effective for many orthodontic issues, including complex cases. Clear aligners are nearly invisible, removable for eating and cleaning, and generally more comfortable. They’re better suited for minor to moderate dental corrections and require discipline in wearing them consistently. The choice between braces and aligners depends on the orthodontic needs, lifestyle preferences, and recommendations from an orthodontist.

Are braces right for you?

Determining if braces are right depends on several factors, including the complexity of your dental issues, lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and budget. Braces are effective for many orthodontic problems, including more complex dental misalignments. They are a tried-and-tested method but are more visible and can require more maintenance in terms of oral hygiene. If you’re considering braces, it’s best to consult an orthodontist who can assess your situation and provide personalized advice based on your dental needs and preferences.

What should I expect before and after braces?

Braces treatment typically results in significant improvements in dental alignment and bite correction. The “before” scenario often includes issues like crooked teeth, gaps, overcrowding, or bite misalignments (overbite, underbite, crossbite). The treatment involves applying consistent pressure to the teeth using braces, gradually moving them into the desired position.

After treatment, patients usually exhibit a more aligned, aesthetically pleasing dental arrangement, with improved biting and chewing functionality. The results can significantly enhance one’s smile and overall oral health. It’s important to note that results vary based on individual cases and the specific nature of the dental issues addressed.

Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?

It depends on your unique situation, but sometimes in order to achieve optimal results, teeth may need to be removed. However, advanced technology and methods have made this less common.

Can I wear braces even though I have crowns or missing teeth?

Yes, absolutely! A tooth with a crown will move just like a regular tooth, and treatment will aid in aligning the remaining teeth.

Do I need to see my dentist while in braces?

It’s essential to continue visiting the dentist during treatment, as failing to do so can lengthen treatment time.

Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?

Once you get your braces, we will review which foods you should avoid during treatment. A good rule of thumb is to avoid foods such as ice, hard candy, raw veggies, and all sticky foods.

How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?

You should brush your teeth after each meal, in tandem with your regular morning and nighttime routine. We’ll show you the best ways to care for your teeth while wearing your appliances.

Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?

Adult orthodontics is becoming more common, as orthodontic treatment helps increase overall happiness, health, and self-esteem. It’s never too late for a beautiful smile!

Will my child need braces if he/she has Phase One treatment?

It’s best to assume that braces will be needed after phase one treatment, but we’ll monitor your child’s growth and development to ensure the best treatment methods occur next.